EP2618759B1 - Mixing device for prepack vacuum cementing system, vacuum cementing system and method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a mixing device according to claim 1 for mixing a mixed material, in particular a medical cement comprising at least a cartridge and a closure, wherein the at least one cartridge includes a first component of the mix and comprises a cartridge head, in which at least one ventilation opening is arranged and the closure is arranged on the cartridge head such that the at least one ventilation opening in the cartridge head can be closed and opened by the closure.

The invention also relates to a vacuum cementing system according to claim 17 comprising such a mixing device and a method according to claim 18 for use of such a mixing device or vacuum cementing system.

In this case, an apparatus for mixing a cement of a monomer and a cement powder is provided.

Polymethyl methacrylate bone cements (PMMA bone cements) have been known for decades and are based on the fundamental work of Sir Charnley ( Charnley, J .: Anchorage of the femoral head prosthesis of the shaft of the femur. J. Bone Joint Surg. 42 (1960) 28-30 .). The basic structure of the PMMA bone cements has remained basically the same since then. PMMA bone cements usually consist of a liquid monomer component and a powder component. The monomer component generally contains the monomer methyl methacrylate and an activator (N, N-dimethyl-p-toluidine) dissolved therein. The powder component consists of one or more polymers prepared on the basis of methyl methacrylate and comonomers, such as styrene, methyl acrylate or similar monomers, by polymerization, preferably suspension polymerization, an X-ray opacifier and the initiator dibenzoyl peroxide. When mixing the powder component with the monomer component is formed by swelling of the polymers of the powder component in the methyl methacrylate plastically deformable dough. In mixing the powder component with the Moriomer component, the activator reacts N, N-dimethyl-p-toluidine with dibenzoyl peroxide to form radicals. The radicals formed initiate the radical polymerization of the methyl methacrylate. As the polymerization of methyl methacrylate progresses, the viscosity of the cement paste increases until it solidifies.

PMMA bone cements can be mixed in suitable mixing beakers by means of spatulas by mixing the cement powder with the monomer liquid. A disadvantage of this approach that air pockets may be present in the formed cement dough, which may later cause a destabilization of the bone cement. For this reason, the mixing of bone cement powder with the monomer liquid in vacuum mixing systems is preferred because air entrainment from the cement paste is largely removed by mixing in a vacuum and thus optimum cement quality is achieved ( Breusch SJ et al .: The state of cementing technology in Germany. Z Orthop. 1999, 137: 101-07 ). Vacuum mixed bone cements have significantly reduced porosity and therefore exhibit improved mechanical properties. A variety of vacuum cementing systems are known, which are described, for example, in the following patent documents: US 5,624,184 . US 4,671,263 . US 4,973,168 . US 5,100,241 . WO 99/67015 A1 . EP 1 020 167 A2 . US 5,586,821 . EP 1 016 452 A2 . DE 36 40 279 A1 . WO 94/26403 A1 . EP 0 692 229 A1 . EP 1 005 901 A2 . US 5,344,232 ,

Vacuum cementing systems are placed under vacuum during mixing of the PMMA bone cement to remove air pockets from the cement paste. It should thereby be formed as homogeneous as possible, largely bubble-free cement dough.

A further development are cementing systems in which both the cement powder and the monomer liquid are already packed in separate compartments of the mixing systems and are mixed together in the cementing system just before the cement application ( US 5,997,544 . EP 0 692 229 A1 . US Pat. No. 6,709,149 B1 ). The problem with these systems is the transfer of the monomer liquid in the cement powder and the complete mixing of these two components, so that a homogeneous cement dough is obtained, in particular must not contain nests on not wetted by the monomer liquid cement powder. The Optipac ™ (Biomet Switzerland) Full Prepack Mixing System, which is currently on the European market, uses monomeric liquid through simple tubes placed laterally in the lower part of the cartridge, which pierce the cartridge wall is sucked into the cement powder at about the middle of the cement powder by the action of vacuum from aluminum composite bags. Aluminum composite bags are manually moved against the tubes to open, with the tubes piercing the wall of the bags.

Aluminum composite bags have only been known for the packaging and storage of monomer liquid for a few years. Very good experiences with respect to the storability of monomer liquid are available with glass ampoules. Glass ampoules have been used successfully for decades for conventional polymethyl methacrylate bone cements. Glass ampoules have not only the perfect tightness but also the advantage that they can be manufactured in large quantities at low prices. Therefore, it makes sense to use glass ampoules for packaging and storage of monomer liquid in pre-pack vacuum cementing systems.

When using cartridge systems for sterile pasty medical devices, it is necessary that not only the pastes but also the cartridges and the secondary packaging are provided in sterile form to the medical user. For example, after aseptic filling of the previously sterilized cartridges, these can be transferred directly into a sterile packaging. Furthermore, it may be useful for certain products to sterilize the surfaces of the filled cartridges together with the packaging after packaging. In addition to gamma sterilization, which can not be used with polymerizable paste systems, it is possible to sterilize ethylene oxide with the gas.

In the DE 195 32 015 A1 An apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-component products is described. On the outside of the cement cartridge, a bushing is formed, around which can rotate an ampoule holder. The head of the ampoule is inside the bearing bush. When the ampoule holder is rotated around the bearing bush, the ampoule head is sheared off from the ampoule body. Then, the liquid from the ampule into the cartridge can be transferred through an opening in the cartridge wall. There, a mixing element is arranged, with which a cement powder can be mixed with the liquid from the ampoule.

In the WO 97/18031 A1 a device is proposed in which an ampoule is pierced at the bottom and the monomer liquid can then flow through a hollow mixing rod into the cement cartridge.

A system for mixing a medical cement under vacuum is out of the EP 1 031 333 A1 known. In this system, by moving the mixing rod against a wedge-shaped device in the cartridge head, the ampoule head is moved obliquely against the ampoule axis, shearing off the ampoule head from the ampoule body. Inside a mixing chamber, thorough mixing of the cement with a mixing device is achieved.

The DE 10 2009 031 178 B3 describes a cementing system in which a separate sterilizing piston is movable separately from a sealing piston and a mixing piston. The sealing piston and the sterilization piston form a common piston system.

From the DE 10 2007 061 696 B4 a mixing device is known which describes a vacuum cementing system. The mixing device comprises a rotary closure for closing a mixing cylinder. When closed, the components to be mixed in the mixing cylinder can be mixed with a mixing disk. Thereafter, the mix is discharged through a discharge pipe from the Vakuumzementiersystem. A disadvantage of this is that the rotary closure must be removed or lifted in order to open the Vakuumzementiersystem and thus to allow a gas passage for sterilizing the interior of the Vakuumzementiersystems. In addition, in the later course of the application of the Vakuumzementiersystems the vacuum is difficult to apply because the evacuation must be done by the cement powder.

The invention is based on the object to develop an apparatus and a method with which a simpler handling of a Vakuumzementiersystems is made possible. In addition, the sterilization, the mixing of the components and the application of vacuum should be as easy to carry out.

This object is achieved by a mixing device according to claim 1.

It can be provided that the connection is a pipe or a hose, wherein preferably a valve is arranged between the connection and the container.

It can also be provided that the connection in the cartridge head is displaceable along its axis of symmetry.

A development of the invention provides that a pore filter is arranged between the at least one ventilation opening in the cartridge head and the interior of the cartridge filled with the first component.

The filter, screen or pore filter serves to prevent penetration of the first component (for example a powder) into the area of the cartridge head.

Mixing devices according to the invention may also be characterized in that the mixing device comprises a discharge pipe or a fastening device for a discharge pipe, wherein the discharge pipe is preferably closable by a removable discharge pipe closure

Furthermore, it can be provided that the connection comprises a lateral outlet in the region of the end of the connection, which extends into the interior of the cartridge.

It can also be provided that the connection between its outlet into the interior of the cartridge and the container comprises a predetermined breaking point, preferably in the region of the outlet.

Mixing devices according to the invention are characterized in that the closure is arranged between the cartridge head and the filter or the sieve, preferably the pore filter, wherein at least one part, in particular at least one handle of the closure, preferably extends through the at least one ventilation opening in the cartridge head.

It may also be advantageous that two ventilation openings are arranged in the cartridge head, which can be closed by two leaves of the closure, wherein the ventilation openings and the leaves are preferably formed as circular sectors and the closure is rotatable.

A development of the invention provides that at least one handle is arranged on the closure, preferably two handles are arranged, with which the closure is rotatable or displaceable.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a handle is connected or connectable to the dispensing tube or a mixing rod which extends through a central opening in the cartridge head from the outside to the inside of the cartridge, with which the dispensing tube or the mixing rod inside the cartridge rotatable is.

It can be provided that the discharge pipe closure is a plug inside the discharge pipe, which is connected to the handle, with which the plug is removable from the discharge pipe.

Mixing devices according to the invention can also be characterized in that at least one mixing blade is arranged on the discharge pipe or on the mixing rod and the discharge pipe or the mixing rod with the mixing blade or mixing blades is rotatably mounted in the cartridge.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a vacuum connection is arranged as a passage in the cartridge head or in a wall of the cartridge, which preferably comprises a valve closure for opening and closing the vacuum connection.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that a delivery piston for expelling the cartridge contents is arranged in the cartridge bottom.

It is particularly preferred that the first component is a powder, in particular a cement powder for a PMMA bone cement, and the second component is a liquid, in particular a monomer liquid.

The object of the invention is also achieved by a vacuum cementing system according to claim 17.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a method according to claim 18.

1. A) das Innere und der Inhalt der Kartusche wird durch die wenigstens eine geöffnete Belüftungsöffnung im Kartuschenkopf sterilisiert, insbesondere unter Verwendung von Ethylenoxid,
2. B) die wenigstens eine Belüftungsöffnung im Kartuschenkopf wird durch Drehen oder Verschieben des Verschlusses relativ zum Kartuschenkopf oder durch Drehen oder Verschieben des Kartuschenkopfs relativ zum Verschluss geschlossen,
3. C) Gase aus dem Inneren der Kartusche werden evakuiert,
4. D) die zweite Komponente des Behälters wird in die Kartusche geleitet und
5. E) die erste und die zweite Komponente werden gemischt.

The following process steps are provided

1. A) the inside and the contents of the cartridge are sterilized by the at least one opened vent opening in the cartridge head, in particular using ethylene oxide,
2. B) the at least one vent opening in the cartridge head is closed by rotating or sliding the closure relative to the cartridge head or by rotating or displacing the cartridge head relative to the closure,
3. C) gases from inside the cartridge are evacuated,
4. D) the second component of the container is passed into the cartridge and
5. E) the first and second components are mixed.

A sterilization of the interior and in particular of the contents of the cartridge also means a partial and / or regional sterilization.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the mixture is applied by a discharge tube.

Finally, it is provided that after the second component has been directed into the interior of the cartridge, the connection to the container is disconnected and the non-centric passage for connection to the container is closed by rotating or displacing the closure relative to the cartridge head or vice versa.

The invention is based on the surprising finding that a mixing device with a rotatable or displaceable closure for closing a ventilation opening can be constructed very simply and inexpensively. The operation of the mixing device is so simple that it is easily applicable at any time. Also, old mixing devices can be easily converted. In addition, a passage for the second component can be easily closed by a slightly modified locking mechanism, without the need for additional components would be necessary. The locking system is extremely susceptible to interference, since the displacement of a surface (a sheet of the closure) is easy to implement through an opening.

The underlying closure principle is realized, for example, by providing a cover above a pore slice (of a pore filter) in the direction of a vacuum connection which has at least one ventilation opening as a window. In addition, a rotatable or displaceable closure disk or a closure disk cutout is arranged, which also has at least one ventilation opening. The ventilation opening or openings must then be able to be rotated or pushed over the ventilation opening or openings of the lower pane, so that a gas passage between the pore pane and the environment is possible. By twisting or displacing the closure disk, it must be possible that the ventilation opening or openings of the closure disk do not overlap with the ventilation aperture or openings of the lower disk, so that gas exchange between the pore disk and the environment is only possible via a vacuum connection.

The rotary closure has one or more ventilation openings in the form of circular sectors ("pie pieces") or circular sector sections. The screw cap can cover or expose appropriate vents in the cartridge head.

By rotation of the closure, the ventilation openings can be opened and closed, so that a permeability of ethylene oxide during sterilization is given and in the cement application by simply rotating the rotary closure, a vacuum tightness can be achieved.

The screw cap can be rotated once so that the vents in the cartridge head for the ethylene oxide sterilization are closed and vacuum can be pulled. After pulling out the tube, the rotary closure can be rotated a few degrees further, so that the passage for the tube is closed once in the cartridge head and at the same time in the pore disk. The rotary closure has for this purpose at the bottom of a flat surface, which can cover the implementation in the pore disk.

The operation of a mixing device according to the invention can be described as follows. First, turn the screw cap in the cartridge head so that the vents are sealed for ethylene oxide sterilization. Then vacuum is applied via the vacuum connection. Subsequently, a monomer reservoir (containing the second component / a liquid monomer) is opened. The monomer flows directly into the cement powder (the first component) due to the vacuum or gravity through the pipe. After the transfer of the monomer into the cement powder, the tube with the monomer reservoir is pulled out of the interior of the cartridge. Then, the rotary closure is rotated a few degrees further, so that the passages for the tube in the cartridge head and in the pore disk are sealed so that can then be mixed under vacuum. When the mixing process has ended, the mixing rod / mixing rod is pulled to the mixing head and the closure is pulled out in the hollow stirring rod / mixing rod. As a result, the discharge pipe is exposed and it can be pressed out of the cement through the discharge pipe.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Querschnittansicht in Längsrichtung einer erfindungsgemäßen Mischvorrichtung;

Figur 2:

eine schematische Querschnittansicht in Längsrichtung eines Teils einer erfindungsgemäßen Mischvorrichtung;

Figur 3:

eine schematische Aufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung;

Figur 4:

eine schematische Aufsicht auf einen Verschluss einer erfindungsgemäßen Mischvorrichtung;

Figur 5:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Mischvorrichtung;

Figur 6:

eine schematische Ansicht eines Verschlusses für eine erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung a) in Aufsicht, b) von unten und c) von der Seite;

Figur 7:

eine schematische Querschnittansicht eines Einsatzes in den Kartuschenkopf einer erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtung; und

Figur 8:

eine schematische Aufsicht auf Einsätze für erfindungsgemäße Mischvorrichtungen, und zwar a) oberer Teil und b) unterer Teil;

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to eight schematically illustrated figures. Showing:

FIG. 1:

a schematic cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of a mixing device according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

a schematic cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of a part of a mixing device according to the invention;

FIG. 3:

a schematic plan view of a mixing device according to the invention;

FIG. 4:

a schematic plan view of a closure of a mixing device according to the invention;

FIG. 5:

a perspective view of a mixing device according to the invention;

FIG. 6:

a schematic view of a closure for a mixing device according to the invention a) in supervision, b) from below and c) from the side;

FIG. 7:

a schematic cross-sectional view of an insert in the cartridge head of a mixing device according to the invention; and

FIG. 8:

a schematic plan view of inserts for mixing devices according to the invention, namely a) upper part and b) lower part;

All described mixing devices according to the invention and vacuum cementing systems according to the invention are suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematically illustrated cross-sectional view of a mixing device according to the invention. The mixing device (1) comprises a cartridge (2) with a cartridge head (4), which is connected via a fastening means (6) in the form of a thread to the cartridge body. The cartridge (2) is closed at the bottom with a delivery piston (6), which is arranged movably in the direction of the cartridge head (4). Below the cartridge head (4) a rotatably mounted closure (8) and below a pore filter (10) between the cartridge head (4) and the interior of the cartridge (2) are arranged. The pore filter (10) serves to prevent a powder, which is stored inside the cartridge (2), from penetrating as far as the closure (8), while gases can easily pass through the pore filter (10).

The closure (8) comprises two handles (12) which extend through two ventilation openings in the cartridge head (4). The ventilation openings in the cartridge head (4) are larger than the handles (12) of the closure (8). By turning the shutter (8), the ventilation openings in the cartridge head (4) can be opened and closed.

Centric openings are provided in the center of the cartridge head (4), the closure (8) and the pore filter (10), in which a guide sleeve (14), which simultaneously serves as a holder and can comprise a seal (not shown), is arranged. In the interior of the guide sleeve (14), a passage for a discharge tube (16) is provided, wherein the discharge tube (16) through the central openings of the cartridge head (4), the closure (8) and the pore filter (10) into the interior of the cartridge (2) extends. The discharge pipe (16) is plugged in the direction of the delivery piston (6) by a discharge pipe closure (18). The discharge tube closure (18) is connected via a rod (20) with a handle (22). The handle (22) closes the dispensing tube (16) at the tip outside the cartridge (2). The handle (22) is attached to the tip of the dispensing tube (16) such that rotation of the handle (22) also rotates the dispensing tube (16) in the cartridge (2). With the discharge pipe (16) then also two mixing blades (24) rotate, which are connected in the interior of the cartridge (2) with the discharge pipe (16). By releasing the attachment of the handle (22) and pulling out the handle (22) with the rod (20), the dispensing tube closure (18) is also removed from the dispensing tube (16) and the vacuum cementing system is formed by the mixing device (1) is then ready to apply a cement from the interior of the cartridge (2).

In particular, with a cylindrical structure of the mixing device (1) or parts of the mixing device (1), preferably the cartridge (2) and the cartridge head (4), both the discharge tube (16) and the closure (8) is rotatable about the axis of symmetry.

By a non-centric passage through the cartridge head (4), the closure (8) and the pore filter (10) extends a tube (26) or a tube inside the cartridge (2), to the first component, for example, the cement powder , The non-centric passage for the tube (26) in the closure (8) extends along a circular arc so that the closure (8) can be transferred from the closed to the open position of the vents in the cartridge head (4) and vice versa, without that Tube (26) obstructs the movement of the closure (8).

The open end of the tube (26) inside the cartridge (2) is covered by a filter (28) that allows only gaseous or liquid substances to pass, and / or a sieve is attached. At the other end of the tube (26) a container (30) is arranged by a liquid which forms a cement together with the powder in the cartridge (2). Between the pipe (26) and the container (30) an operable valve (32) is arranged. This valve (32) is initially closed. The tube (26) can be arranged along its axis of symmetry movable in the non-centric passages in the cartridge head (4), the closure (8) and the pore filter (10).

The mixing device (1) is initially in the open state, that is to say that the ventilation openings in the cartridge head (4) are initially not covered by the closure (8). In this state, the mixing device (1) is first sterilized by gassing with ethylene oxide, for example. The ethylene oxide enters the interior of the cartridge (2) through the ventilation openings in the cartridge head (4) and the pore filter (10), so that complete sterilization is possible.

Next, the vents in the cartridge head (4) are manually closed by turning the shutter (8) on the handles (12). Subsequently, the interior of the cartridge (2) is evacuated via a vacuum port (not shown). Thereafter, the valve (32) is opened, so that the liquid content of the container (30) through the tube (26) and the filter (28) into the interior of the cartridge (2) pours. The tube (26) is pulled out completely or only a part from the inside of the cartridge (2). Subsequently, the closure (8) is rotated further, so that the non-centric passage for the tube (26) in the cartridge head (4) and in the pore filter (10) is closed. In this case, the tube (26) can also be broken or cut off by the rotation of the closure (8). In a further intermediate step, the interior of the cartridge (2) can be evacuated again.

By turning the handle (22), the dispensing tube (16) with the mixing vanes (24) is rotated, thus mixing the liquid second component from the container (30) with the cement powder as the first component in the cartridge (2). This produces the mix, or in this case the cement. The discharge pipe (16) is pulled out to the guide sleeve (14) from the interior of the cartridge (2) or pushed out by exerting pressure on the delivery piston (6). By removing the handle (22) with the discharge tube closure (18), the mixing device (1) is opened. Subsequently, the finished cement with the delivery piston (6) through the discharge pipe (16) can be applied.

FIG. 2 shows the schematic structure of parts of an alternative. Mixing device in cross-sectional view. In a shown cartridge head (104), which comprises a thread (105) for connecting a discharge tube, two ventilation openings and a centric opening and a holder (107), two displaceably mounted closures (108) and a filter (110) formed as an annular disc arranged in the holder (107). Each handle (112) of the closures (108) extends through the ventilation openings. The ventilation openings in the cartridge head (104) can be closed and opened by displacing the closures (108). At the lower end of the cartridge head (104), a fastening means in the form of pins (109) is arranged, which allow attachment of the cartridge head (104) to a cartridge body (not shown).

In the central opening a guide sleeve (114) and a sealing ring (115) is arranged. The guide sleeve (114) serves to position the shutters (108), the filter (110) and the sealing ring (115) and to guide a mixing rod (117) extending through the central opening of the cartridge head (104). At the upper end of the guide sleeve (114) has a snap for fastening the guide sleeve (114) on the cartridge head (104) is provided. The sealing ring (115) serves to complete the central opening together with the mixing rod (117) gas-tight. On the mixing rod (117) two mixing blades (124) are attached. The mixing rod (117) can be pulled out through the centric opening be with the mixing vanes (124) fall off or fold away. Subsequently, a dispensing tube can be mounted on the external thread (105) of the cartridge head (104). For this purpose, the discharge pipe (not shown) has an internal thread.

The mixing rod (117) is rotatably mounted in the central opening, so that by rotating the mixing rod (117) and the mixing vanes (124) are rotated and the parts shown so form a mixer for mixing a cartridge for a cartridge (not shown).

As a filter (110), a pore disk can be used. Instead of two displaceable closures (108), a single, rotatably mounted, perforated ring can be used as closure (108). The apertures in the annular seal (108) overlie the vent holes in the cartridge head (104) when the closure (108) is in the open position. This has the advantage that only one closure (108) has to be moved to close the ventilation openings of the mixing system.

At the top of the displaceable closures (108) or the rotatable closure (108) webs or support rings formed as webs are arranged, which make contact with the top of the cartridge head (104). The distance created thereby can ensure that a vacuum port (not shown) always remains open regardless of the position of the shutter (108).

If these parts or such an insert are connected to a cartridge which is filled with a first component and which is connected to an additional container with a second component, the result is a mixing device according to the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of a mixing device according to the invention. In a circular cartridge head (204), five openings are provided which are partially defined by a closure (208) (in FIG. 2) disposed below the cartridge head (204) FIG. 3 marked by dotted lines) can be closed. Two of the openings are closable ventilation openings (240) in the form of circular sector sections ("cut / eaten pie pieces"). The non-closable centric opening (241) serves to pass a mixing rod and / or a discharge tube into the interior of a cartridge, in which there is a first pulverulent component for producing the mixed material. A closable, non-centric passage (242) serves to pass a tube which is connected to a container in which a liquid second component for manufacturing of the mix is included. The last opening is a non-closable vacuum port (243) through which the interior of the cartridge can be evacuated. In the vacuum port (243), a one-way valve (not shown) may be arranged.

The rotatable about the central opening (241) mounted closure (208), which is also schematically in FIG. 4 is shown comprises two leaves (244) in the form of circular sectors ("pie pieces") which may cover the vents (240) and non-centric passage (242) depending on the position of the closure (208).

Is the mixing device in a, as in FIG. 3 The open air vent (240) and non-centric duct (242) are not covered by the closure (208). Through the ventilation openings (240), the interior of the cartridge can be sterilized with a gas. Subsequently, the shutter (208) is rotated in the direction of the unfilled arrows, so that the ventilation openings (240) are closed. The closure (208) can not be rotated further, because in the non-centric passage (242) is a tube.

Subsequently, the mixing device is evacuated via the vacuum connection (243). Through the tube in the non-centric passage (242), a liquid second component is passed or sucked into the interior of the cartridge and mixed there with the first powdery component. For mixing, a mixing rod is guided through the centric opening (241), at the end of which one or more mixing vanes are arranged so that thorough mixing of the two components takes place by rotation of the mixing rod.

Then the tube is pulled out of the non-centric bushing (242). Thereafter, by continuing the rotation of the closure (208), the non-centric passage (242) can also be covered by the closure (208). If the mixing rod is hollow or after removal of the mixing rod, the finished mix can be expelled from the cartridge through the centric opening (241).

After each intermediate step, in which one of the openings (240, 242) is closed, it may be useful to evacuate the interior of the cartridge via the vacuum connection (243).

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a perspective view of a mixing device (301) according to the invention. The mixing device (301) comprises a cartridge (302) which covered by a cartridge head (304) and closed pressure-tight. The cartridge head (304) has a vent opening (340) which is closable by a rotatably or slidably mounted closure (not shown) disposed below the cartridge head (304). The closure is rotatable or displaceable by means of a handle (312), whereby the ventilation opening (340) can be opened and closed. The handle (312) protrudes through the ventilation opening (340) to the outside.

In the center of the cartridge head (304) is a central opening (341), which is formed by a tube, on the outside of a thread (305) is arranged. By a non-centric passage (342) extends a tube (326) which is connected to a container (330). The tube (326) opens into an outlet (350) arranged laterally in the tube wall inside the cartridge (302). The bottom end of the tube (326) is closed. The cartridge (302) contains a first component while the container (330) contains a second component. The second component may be supplied to the first component through the tube (326). In the region of the outlet (350), a predetermined breaking point (351) and a stopper (352) in the form of a disc are arranged on the tube (326). The tube (326) can be pulled through the non-centric passage (342) so only to the stopper (352). By the lateral arrangement of the outlet (350) this is then closed. The tube (326) can then simply be broken off at the predetermined breaking point (351) and the mixing device (301) remains sealed, while the empty container (330) can be removed.

Through the centric aperture (341), a mixing rod (not shown) may be inserted inside the cartridge (302) to mix the two components inside the cartridges (302). On the thread (305), a discharge pipe (not shown) can be screwed.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a closure (408) for a mixing device according to the invention, which is designed as a rotatable, perforated ring. It shows FIG. 6A a top view (from the direction of the cartridge head), FIG. 6B a view from below (from the direction of the cartridge bottom) and FIG. 6C a side view.

The annular closure (408) has a central opening (441) in the middle. At the edge of the closure (408) is located on the top and on the bottom of a support ring (461). The closure (408) further comprises two ventilation openings (460) with which a continuous ventilation opening can be adjusted inside a mixing device according to the invention is when the ventilation openings (460) overlap with corresponding ventilation openings in a cartridge head (not shown) of a mixing device according to the invention.

The position of the shutter (408) can be adjusted by rotation thereof. For this purpose, two handles (412) are provided on the closure (408) in the region of the ventilation openings (460). On one of the handles (412) a vacuum connection (443) is arranged.

Such a closure (408) can be arranged below or above a cartridge head and thus contribute to a mixing device according to the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a cartridge head (504) with a closure (508) and their interaction to form a mixing device according to the invention. Both the cartridge head (504) and the closure (508) are of annular construction and have on the outer walls seals (515), which seal the mixing device vacuum-tight and pressure-tight, when the cartridge head (504) and the closure (508) in a hollow cylindrical Cartridge (not shown) can be used.

A further seal (515) is provided on the inside of the closure (508) to seal the mixing device when a mixing rod or dispensing tube is inserted into a central opening (541) of the closure (508) and the cartridge head (504).

In a holder of the closure (508), a pore filter (510) is arranged, which completely closes the closure (508) on the bottom side. On the top of the closure (508) two ventilation openings (560) are provided. These vents (560) of the closure (508) correspond to two vents (540) of the cartridge head (504). The cartridge head (504) further includes a vacuum port (543). In the vacuum port (543) may be arranged a valve that only a flow out of the mixing device (in FIG. 7 to the top) allowed.

The closure (508) is rotatably disposed relative to the cartridge head (504). When the vent holes (540) of the cartridge head (504) cover the vents (560) of the closure (508), there is a continuous vent opening. Turning the shutter (508) or the cartridge head (504) will close this vent.

The Figures 8A and 8B show a schematic representation of a closure (608) according to the invention for a mixing device according to the invention from above ( Figure 8A ) and from below (Figure 8B). A central opening (641) is provided in the center of the circular shutter (608). In addition, ventilation openings (660) are arranged in the form of circular sectors in the closure (608). In the top of the closure (608), a vacuum connection (643) is additionally provided.

On the top of the closure (608) webs (665) are arranged, with which a distance to a arranged above the closure (608) cartridge head (not shown) is held. The webs (665) are circumferentially arranged at the edge of the closure (608) and around the ventilation openings (660) and the central opening (641).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 301

mixing device

2, 302

cartridge

4, 104, 204, 304, 504

cartridge head

105, 305

thread

6, 306

delivery piston

107

bracket

8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608

shutter

109

spigot

10,110,510

pore filters

12, 112, 212, 312, 412

Handle on the clasp

14, 114

guide sleeve

115, 515

poetry

16

discharge pipe

117

Mischstab

18

Austragsrohrverschluss

20

pole

22

grip

24, 124

mixing blades

26, 326

pipe

28

filter

30, 330

container

32

Valve

240, 340, 540

ventilation opening

241, 341, 441, 541, 641

centric opening

242, 342

not centric execution

243, 443, 543, 643

vacuum connection

244

Sheet of the lock

350

outlet

351

Breaking point

352

stopper

460, 560, 660

Ventilation opening in the closure

461

Support ring

665

web

Claims (19)

1. A mixing device (1, 301) for mixing a mixture, in particular, a cement for medical use comprising at least one cartridge (2, 302) and a closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608), wherein the at least one cartridge (2, 302) includes a first component of the mixture and comprises a cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504), which has at least one air inlet (240, 340, 540), and the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) is arranged at the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) in such a way that the at least one air inlet (240, 340, 540) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) can be closed and opened by the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608), wherein the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) is mounted rotatable or shiftable relative to the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) and a connection (26, 326) extends through the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) or a cartridge wall into the interior of the cartridge (2, 302), which connects or can connect the interior of the cartridge (2, 302) to a container (30, 330) for a second component of the mixture wherein a filter (10, 110, 510) and/or a sieve is located between the at least one air inlet (240, 340, 540) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) and the interior of the cartridge (2, 302) including the first component, characterized in that
   the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) is located between the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) and the filter (10, 110, 510) and/or the sieve, wherein the at least one part (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) of the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) extends in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504).
2. The mixing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection (26, 326) is a tube (26, 326) or a hose, wherein preferably, a valve (32) is located between the connection (26, 326) and the container (30, 330).
3. The mixing device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection (26, 326) is shiftable within the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) along its axis of symmetry.
4. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
   a pore filter (10, 110, 510) is located between the at least one air inlet (240, 340, 540) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) and the interior of the cartridge (2, 302) that is filled with the first component.
5. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
   the mixing device (1, 301) comprises a discharge tube (16) or a mounting device (105, 305) for a discharge tube (16), wherein the discharge tube (16) can preferably be closed by means of a removable discharge tube lock (18).
6. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
   the connection (26, 326) comprises a lateral outlet (350) in the area of the end of the connection (26, 326) extending into the interior of the cartridge (2, 302).
7. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
   the connection (26, 328) comprises a predetermined breaking point (351) between its outlet (350) into the interior of cartridge (2, 302) and the container (30, 330), preferably in the area of the outlet (350).
8. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
   the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) is located between the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) and the pore filter (10, 110, 510), wherein the at least one handle (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) of the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) extends through the at least one air inlet (240, 340, 540) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504).
9. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
   two air inlets (240, 340, 540) are located in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) that can be closed by means of two blades (244) of the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608), wherein the air inlets (240, 340, 540) and the blades (244) are preferably designed as sectors and the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) is rotatable.
10. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
    at least one handle (12, 112, 212, 312, 412) is arranged at the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608), preferably two handles (12, 112, 212, 312, 412), by means of which the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) can be rotated or shifted.
11. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
    a handle piece (22) is connected or can be connected with the discharge tube (16) or a mixing rod (117) that extends through a centric opening (241, 341, 441, 541, 641) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) from the outside into the interior of the cartridge (2, 302), by means of which the discharge tube (16) or the mixing rod (117) is rotatable in the interior of the cartridge (2, 302).
12. The mixing device according to Claim 11 and 5, characterized in that
    the discharge tube lock (18) is a stopper (18) in the interior of the discharge tube (16), that is connected to the handle piece (22) by means of which the stopper (18) can be removed from the discharge tube (16).
13. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
    at least one mixing blade (24, 124) is arranged at the discharge tube (16) or at the mixing rod (117) and the discharge tube (16) or the mixing rod (117) is mounted rotatable in the cartridge (2, 302) together with the mixing blade (24, 124) or the mixing blades (24, 124).
14. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
    a vacuum connection (243, 443, 543, 643) is located in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) or in a wall of the cartridge (2, 302) as feed-through, preferably comprising a valve closure for opening and closing the vacuum connection (243, 443, 543, 643).
15. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
    a delivery piston (6, 306) is located in the cartridge bottom for discharging the contents of the cartridge.
16. The mixing device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that
    the first component is a powder, in particular, a cement powder for a PMMA bone cement, and the second component is a liquid, in particular, a monomer liquid.
17. A vacuum cementing system comprising a mixing device (1, 301) according to one of the preceding Claims.
18. A method for mixing a mixture by means of a mixing device (1, 301) according to one of Claims 1 through 16 or by means of a vacuum cementing system according to Claim 17 having the following method steps,

    A) the interior and the content of the cartridge (2, 302) is sterilized by means of the at least one opened air inlet (240, 340, 540) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504), in particular by using ethylene oxide,

    B) the at least one air inlet (240, 340, 540) in the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) is closed by rotating or shifting the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) relative to the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) or is closed by rotating or shifting the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) relative to the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608),

    C) gases from the interior of the cartridge (2, 302) are evacuated,

    D) the second component of the container (30, 330) is conveyed into the cartridge (2, 302), and subsequent to conveying the second component into the interior of the cartridge (2, 302), the connection with the container (30, 330) is disconnected and the non-centric feed-through (242, 342) for the connection to the container (30, 330) is closed by rotating or shifting the closure (8, 108, 208, 408, 508, 608) relative to the cartridge head (4, 104, 204, 304, 504) or the reverse, and

    E) the first and the second component are mixed.
19. The method according to Claim 18, characterized in that the mixture is applied through a discharge tube (16).

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